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My Yatra Diary...: Calendar Recap 2013!

It's true when they say, time flies. It does. Another year has rolled by. The journey of 2013 has come to an end. A brand new year awaits, packed with promises in hopes, dreams, opportunities, magic and madness. But before we see it checking in, let's pause for a while and step back, reflect, turn some pages and ruffle a few pieces. It's time to sit back, relax and rewind!

Below is a picture-walk through 12 posts from January to December with a link in the title and a little teaser snippet to go along. 'Tis a quick calendar recap, of all that My Yatra Diary... was in 2013! Hope you enjoy it.

A lot of these red stuffed monkeys, known as Migawari Saru or 'substitute monkeys' can be seen hanging at the entrances - of shops, cafes, houses and temples. A symbolic deity of a local temple (the Koshin-do Temple), they are good luck charms believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune.

Across the lengths of the sandy silvery beach, silence fills the environs. There is hardly a soul in view. Breaking this calm constantly, are the lashing of the waves and the rustling of the leaves. The music is repetitive yet somber; and it seems to travel through the wilderness of the galaxies above.

Being a Mumbai-ite, I love pandal hopping and more so when WE, you and me, do this together every year! So how about joining hands again this year and hopping over to meet our friend Ganesha in some of the Ganpati Pandals of Mumbai?

An envelope exists here; and it packs in all. Somehow you know, that now, you are in the wrapping of something mysteriously divine, something that has been defined for centuries... Such that you feel a connect, and you feel happy to be a part of something beautiful.

What a great idea, Arti! I loved this post, and will snuggle up and read through them all! Love your blog, so looking forward to another great yatradiaryyear2014! Wish you all the best for next year dear Arti! Big hugs:-)

What an amazing year you have had. You have been blessed. But non would have happened without all your hardwork and writing. You are gifted and must always share. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year filled with more dreams to come true. Hugs

Hi Arti, As I was seeing the year gone by depicted so well through your pictures more than words, I kept adding a line or two mentally on what I am going to comment. Then when i reached the comment box I see 37 comments!! WOW! And I feel would my comment sound repetitive, after all someone else could have echoed my thoughts, on another note a jealousy pang sprang up, 37 comments!! Why can't my posts command that number? Anyway so back to my thoughts.... my favourite was that Kerala village photo which makes me want to believe that there is hope for my country and that there is a safe heaven somewhere amidst the chaos of the cities. It also made me realise how little I have seen of my own country and also how little the government does to boost domestic tourism. I also liked the sunset pic and the magical words attached to it, the lucky charm of Japan and your quest to find vegetarian food there! Wish you luck and lots of creative ideas for 2014.

Year 2013 was fabulous for Arti's Diary and the readers! Loved travelling virtually in Japan and Kerala! 2014 promises to explore the continent down under! Am sure will continue to have the same amount of fun and experience.. :)

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